11 REASONS When we first launched this magazine, there was one central theme fueling it. Specifically, that The World Was Watching Tucson. There are so many exciting advances and achievements coming out of this region that are making a difference and changing the world. While many outside our region respect and celebrate those, perhaps our very own residents don’t always know about them. This is the foundation behind BizTucson Magazine and the mantra we follow with each story we write. So, for our Summer 2022 issue, we proudly offer not 5, not 10 but an impressive “11 Reasons the World is Watching Tucson.” We think the world is watching because of our globally rec-
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ognized cuisine, world-class cycling and dedication to wellness, our stellar achievements in space and defense, our growing significance in mining technology and biosciences − not to mention our top-ranked University of Arizona, which powers so much of our progress. Did you know this region is referred to not only as “Optics Valley” but also “The Silicon Desert”? As IBM’s Calline Sanchez tells us, “As much as Santa Clara and San Jose are the heart of the Silicon Valley, Tucson is a geo-rival for technology breakthroughs.” We think Tucson is a great place and we hope you enjoy our business take on the region’s very best attributes.
UNESCO City of Gastronomy
Tucson was among the first U.S. cities to receive the prestigious UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation. Two-thirds of the city’s 1,200+ restaurants and bars are locally owned, compared to the national average of 40%. Page 40
Silicon Desert
With a prevalence of corporations including IBM, local technology clusters, the University of Arizona and support organizations, Tucson is a place the world is watching. Page 42
Bioscience Mecca
One of the region’s most respected business voices says Tucson is the next Austin, San Diego and Boston when it comes to biotech and biomedical industries. Page 44
City of Wellness
World-renowned spas, 300+ days of sunshine and a climate perfect for cycling, walking and outdoor recreation make Tucson one of the top U.S. wellness destinations. Page 46
Aerospace & Defense Megaregion
Led by Raytheon Missiles & Defense, the region is home to the fifth-highest concentration of aerospace and defense employees in the country. Page 48
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